Return and Earn bin baskets coming to Uralla

Published on 13 October 2026

Council has secured funding through the NSW Return and Earn Bin Basket Program to install 20 recycling bin baskets on selected public bins in Uralla, making it easier for residents and visitors to recycle eligible drink containers while on the go.

The baskets will be installed along Bridge Street and in Alma Park, providing a convenient way for people to separate eligible 10-cent refundable drink containers from general waste and divert them from landfill.

Council has now received all 20 bin baskets and is currently undertaking pre-installation audits ahead of installation, which is expected to start next month.

Mayor Robert Bell said the initiative would help improve recycling outcomes while supporting Council's commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.

"This is a practical initiative that makes it easier for people to do the right thing when they're out and about in our community," Cr Bell said.

"By providing dedicated collection points for eligible drink containers, we're helping to reduce litter, increase recycling and keep valuable materials out of landfill.

"Uralla residents have a strong commitment to caring for our environment, and these new bin baskets will make it even easier for everyone to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Shire."

Council's Environment and Waste Manager, Isaac Arah, said the baskets were designed to capture containers that might otherwise end up in general waste bins.

"Many drink containers still end up in landfill despite being eligible for recycling through the Return and Earn scheme," Dr Arah said.

"The new baskets provide a simple and visible reminder that these containers have value and can be recovered for recycling.

"Installing the baskets in high-use locations, such as Bridge Street and Alma Park, will help maximise participation and make recycling more convenient for both residents and visitors."

Dr Arah said the project would also help Council assess opportunities to expand the initiative in the future.

"We'll be monitoring the success of the program and community participation once the baskets are installed," he said.

"If the initiative proves successful, Council will look to apply for additional funding to expand the program to other high-use locations across the Shire."

The Return and Earn scheme provides a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers and has become one of NSW's most successful recycling initiatives.

Council will provide further updates, including installation locations and timing, as the project progresses.

For more information about Return and Earn, visit www.returnandearn.org.au.